Program Links

A Free Online Course

Principles of Sustainable Design

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf of Mexico. Later that year, gas prices went to 3, 4 and 5 dollars a gallon in the U.S. The following year, Al Gore released An Inconvenient Truth, linking human activities and increased carbon emissions to more prevalent climate change – and caught the public’s attention. In 2010, the BP oil spill tragedy reminded us that oil is plentiful, but it will cost us far more than money. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit Wall Street, followed by Cyclone Phalan and Super Typhoon Haiyan. Finally the 2014 Australian summer was so hot, they added new colors to the temperature map.

Our world is changing....

Our beliefs and values are changing...

Our behavior is beginning to change, and “green” design is becoming the norm in some countries.

Is it enough?

Go beyond green to learn about the sustainability values that will move us towards a more sustainable future. This graduate level course is offered free. Read more about the course. Check out the syllabus and learn how to obtain graduate credit in our FAQ.

Instructor

Associate Professor Rob Fleming is a LEED® Accredited Professional and a registered architect with over 18 years’ experience of teaching, research and practice in sustainable design. He is the co-creator and Director of the award winning Master of Science in Sustainable Design Program at Philadelphia University. Rob is a Sustainability Fellow at Re:Vision Architecture in Philadelphia where he consults and facilitates integrated design charrettes. Professor Fleming is the author the book Design Education for a Sustainable Future published by Routledge/Earthscan.

In addition to Fleming, several sustainability specialists will bring their expertise to provide closer looks at various subjects through short interviews or recorded Skype sessions.

The M.S. in Sustainable Design program has a track record of success in the green building industry and our work and students continue to be recognized with both awards and scholarships.

National Institute of Building Sciences 2011 Best High Performance Building Initiative